Multi-layer semiconductor structures for fabricating inverter chains

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor structure including an inverter chain. An example semiconductor structure includes a first device layer, a second device layer, and one or more inter-layer connection structures. The first device layer is formed on a substrate and includes one or more first inverter structures. The second device layer is formed on the first device layer and includes one or more second inverter structures. The one or more inter-layer connection structures are configured to electrically connect to the first inverter structures and the second inverter structures.

FIELD

The technology described in this disclosure relates generally to semiconductor structures and more particularly to semiconductor device fabrication.

BACKGROUND

In digital logic, an inverter, i.e., a NOT gate, is a logic gate which implements logical negation. Multiple inverters are often connected to form an inverter chain for different applications, such as a ring oscillator.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor structure including an inverter chain. An example semiconductor structure includes a first device layer, a second device layer, and one or more inter-layer connection structures. The first device layer is formed on a substrate and includes one or more first inverter structures. The second device layer is formed on the first device layer and including one or more second inverter structures. The one or more inter-layer connection structures are configured to electrically connect to the first inverter structures and the second inverter structures.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for fabricating multiple inverter structures in a multi-layer semiconductor structure. A first device layer is formed on a substrate, the first device layer including one or more first inverter structures. A second device layer is formed on the first device layer, the second device layer including one or more second inverter structures. One or more inter-layer connection structures are disposed to electrically connect to the first inverter structures and the second inverter structures.

In another embodiment, an inverter chain includes one or more first inverters, one or more second inverters, a first inter-layer connection structure and a second inter-layer connection structure. The one or more first inverters are connected in cascade in a first device layer of a multi-layer semiconductor structure, the first inverters including a first input terminal and a first output terminal. The one or more second inverters are connected in cascade in a second device layer of the multi-layer semiconductor structure, the second inverters including a second input terminal and a second output terminal. The first inter-layer connection structure is configured to electrically connect to the first input terminal and the second output terminal. The second inter-layer connection structure is configured to electrically connect to the second input terminal and the first output terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example schematic diagram of an inverter.

FIG. 2 depicts an example diagram showing an inverter chain fabricated in multiple layers of a semiconductor structure.

FIG. 3(a)-FIG. 22(d) depict diagrams showing an example process for fabricating a first device layer of a multi-layer semiconductor structure.

FIG. 23 depicts an example diagram showing certain components of a first device layer of a multi-layer semiconductor structure.

FIG. 24(a)-FIG. 44(c) depict diagrams showing an example process for fabricating a second device layer of a multi-layer semiconductor structure.

FIG. 45-FIG. 46 depict example diagrams showing certain components of a multi-layer semiconductor structure.

FIG. 47 depicts an example layout diagram of a first device layer of the semiconductor structure as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 48 depicts an example layout diagram of a second device layer of the semiconductor structure as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 49 depicts an example layout diagram of implantation-related layout for both a first device layer and a second device layer of the semiconductor structure as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 50 depicts an example flow chart for fabricating an inverter chain in a multi-layer semiconductor structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an example schematic diagram of an inverter. As shown in FIG. 1, the inverter 100 includes a p-type transistor 102 (e.g., a P-channel MOSFET) and a n-type transistor 104 (e.g., a N-channel MOSFET). The p-type transistor 102 and the n-type transistor 104 each include a gate electrode associated with a gate structure, a source electrode associated with a source region, and a drain electrode associated with a drain region. The gate electrode of the p-type transistor 102 is configured to electrically connect to the gate electrode of the n-type transistor 104 and receive an input signal 106. The drain electrode of the p-type transistor 102 or the drain electrode of the n-type transistor 104 is configured to generate an output signal 108 in response to the input signal 106. The source electrode of the p-type transistor 102 is biased at a predetermined voltage 110 (e.g., VDD), and the source electrode of the n-type transistor 104 is biased at another predetermined voltage 112 (e.g., VSS). For example, the voltage 110 is higher than the voltage 112.

FIG. 2 depicts an example diagram showing an inverter chain fabricated in multiple layers of a semiconductor structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the inverter chain 202 that includes six inverters is fabricated in a semiconductor structure 200. Specifically, the semiconductor structure 200 includes two device layers 204 and 206. The inverters 208, 210 and 212 are formed in the first device layer 204, and the inverters 214, 216 and 218 are formed in the second device layer 206. The six inverters are connected in cascade to form the inverter chain 202. Particularly, an input terminal of each inverter is connected to an output terminal of a previous inverter in the chain, and an output terminal of each inverter is connected to an input terminal of a next inverter in the chain. In some embodiments, the inverter chain 202 includes multiple inverters (e.g., more than or less than six inverters) formed in the two device layers 204 and 206. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor structure 200 includes multiple layers (e.g., more than two layers) for fabricating the inverter chain 202. As an example, each inverter includes a n-type transistor (e.g., n-MOSFET) and a p-type transistor (e.g., p-MOSFET), similar to the inverter 100.

FIG. 3(a)-FIG. 22(d) depict diagrams showing an example process for fabricating the first device layer 204 of the multi-layer semiconductor structure 200. As shown in FIG. 3(a), a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) wafer is used for fabricating the multi-layer semiconductor structure 200. A buried oxide layer 302 is formed on a bulk silicon substrate 304, and one or more layers of channel material layer 306 are formed on the buried oxide layer 302. For example, the channel material layer 306 includes silicon, germanium, silicon germanium, gallium arsenide, or other suitable materials. FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) depict cross-sectional views along two cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” respectively for the structure shown in FIG. 3(a).

As shown in FIG. 4(a), a number of fin structures are formed in the channel material layer 306 through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching or wet etching) on the SOI wafer. For example, one or more fin structures 402 are formed to be active regions of n-type transistors (e.g., n-channel MOSFETs), and one or more fin structures 404 are formed to be active regions of p-type transistors (e.g., p-channel MOSFETs). FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 4(c) depict cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” respectively for the structure shown in FIG. 4(a). Then, well implantation is performed on the fin structures 402 and 404, as shown FIG. 5(a), and cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 5(b) and FIG. 5(c) respectively. As an example, a high-temperature annealing (e.g., at about 1000° C. for 10 seconds) follows to reduce defects and activate dopants.

An interfacial dielectric layer is formed on the fin structures, and a gate-structure layer is deposited and planarized, e.g., through chemical mechanical planarization/polishing (CMP). The gate-structure layer is then patterned through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching, wet etching), and the interfacial dielectric layer is etched, as shown in FIG. 6(a). A cross-sectional view along the cutline “cutline-2” is shown in FIG. 6(b). For example, the interfacial dielectric layer includes silicon oxide, hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide, or other suitable materials. The gate-structure layer includes polysilicon, aluminum, copper, tungsten, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the interfacial dielectric layer includes a thin interfacial layer (e.g., silicon oxide) and a high-k layer (e.g., Al₂O₃, HfO₂) formed through a low-temperature chemical process (e.g., at about 200° C. to about 300° C.). For example, a low-temperature high-pressure annealing (HPA) process is performed to reduce the interfacial defects. In certain embodiments, a high-temperature annealing (e.g., rapid thermal annealing) is carried out, e.g., at about 800° C. to about 900° C. for a short time period.

Spacers (e.g., silicon nitride, TEOS) are formed (e.g., at about 650° C. to about 700° C.) to generate a structure as shown in FIG. 7(a). Cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 7(c) respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), gate structures for the inverters 208, 210 and 212 are formed. Source/drain regions are then grown epitaxially (e.g., at about 680° C. to about 750° C.), and a subsequent implantation (e.g., n+ doping) is performed, as shown in FIG. 8(a). Cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 8(c) respectively. In some embodiments, the implantation is replaced with in situ doping. For example, a high-temperature annealing is performed to reduce defects and activate dopants.

An inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD0) (e.g., oxides) is formed (e.g., through deposition) and planarized (e.g., through CMP), as shown in FIG. 9(a), and cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 9(c) respectively. Photolithography and an etching process are implemented to form patterns for deposition of one or more conductive layers, as shown in FIG. 10(a). A cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 10(a) along the cutline “cutline-1” is shown in FIG. 10(b).

In some embodiments, a salicidation process is then performed (e.g., with an annealing process at about 600° C.). In other embodiments, the salicidation process is replaced by a process of forming a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) contact structure. A conductive layer including one or more metal materials (e.g., tungsten, copper) is deposited and planarized, as shown in FIG. 11(a), and cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 11(c) respectively.

One or more back-end-of-line (BEOL) processes are performed on the wafer. For example, another inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) is formed (e.g., through deposition) and planarized (e.g., through CMP). Cross-sectional views of the wafer along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 12(a), FIG. 12(b) and FIG. 12(c) respectively. As an example, the inter-layer dielectric layer includes silicon oxides.

A hard mask layer (HM1) is then formed on the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1). Cross-sectional views of the wafer after the hard mask formation along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 13(a), FIG. 13(b) and FIG. 13(c) respectively. For example, the hard mask layer corresponds to a contact-etch-stop layer (CESL) and includes silicon nitrides. The CESL layer is then patterned through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching, wet etching). Cross-sectional views of the wafer after the CESL patterning along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(b) and FIG. 14(c) respectively.

Another hard mask layer, e.g., a bottom layer (BL), is formed (e.g., through deposition). Cross-sectional views of the wafer after the formation of the bottom layer along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b) and FIG. 15(c) respectively. The bottom layer is then patterned through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching, wet etching). Cross-sectional views of the wafer after the patterning of the bottom layer along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 16(a), FIG. 16(b) and FIG. 16(c) respectively.

Subsequently, the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) is etched (e.g., through dry etching or wet etching) using the bottom layer as the hard mask. Cross-sectional views of the wafer after the etching of the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 17(a), FIG. 17(b) and FIG. 17(c) respectively. Then, the bottom layer is removed, and cross-sectional views of the wafer after the removal of the bottom layer along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 18(a), FIG. 18(b) and FIG. 18(c) respectively.

Furthermore, the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) is etched (e.g., through dry etching or wet etching) using the CESL layer as the hard mask, and cross-sectional views of the wafer along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 19(a), FIG. 19(b) and FIG. 19(c) respectively. For example, a certain thickness (e.g., d) of the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) remains after etching. In some embodiments, the CESL layer is removed thereafter. Cross-sectional views of the wafer after the removal of the CESL layer along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 20(a), FIG. 20(b) and FIG. 20(c) respectively.

A conductive layer 2102 is formed on the wafer, and cross-sectional views of the wafer along the cutlines “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 21(a) and FIG. 21(b) respectively. For example, the conductive layer 2102 includes one or more metal materials (e.g., copper). The conductive layer 2102 is then planarized (e.g., through CMP), as shown in FIG. 22(a). Cross-sectional views of the wafer along the cutlines “cutline-1,” “cutline-2” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 22(b), FIG. 22(c) and FIG. 22(d) respectively. Thus, the first device layer 204 of the multi-layer semiconductor structure 200 is formed on the SOI wafer.

FIG. 23 depicts an example diagram showing certain components of the first device layer 204 of the multi-layer semiconductor structure 200. As shown in FIG. 23, the inverters 208 and 210 and 212 are formed in the device layer 204. The substrate, the buried oxide, the inter-layer dielectric layers, and the spacers are not shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24(a)-FIG. 44(c) depict diagrams showing an example process for fabricating the second device layer 206 of the multi-layer semiconductor structure 200. As shown in FIG. 24(a), an interfacial layer 2402 (e.g., a glue/buffer layer, a buried oxide layer) and a channel material layer 2404 are formed on the first device layer 204. In some embodiments, another wafer including the interfacial layer 2402 and the channel material layer 2404 is attached to the first device layer 204 through wafer bonding. In certain embodiments, the interfacial layer 2402 and the channel material layer 2404 are formed on the first device layer 204 through deposition or epitaxial growth. As an example, the interfacial layer 2402 includes silicon oxide, hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide, or other suitable materials. The channel material layer 2404 includes silicon, germanium, silicon germanium, gallium arsenide, or other suitable materials. Cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 24(b) and FIG. 24(c) respectively.

A number of fin structures are formed in the channel material layer 2404 through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching or wet etching). For example, one or more fin structures 2502 are formed to be active regions of n-type transistors (e.g., n-channel MOSFETs), and one or more fin structures 2504 are formed to be active regions of p-type transistors (e.g., p-channel MOSFETs), as shown in FIG. 25. Then, well implantation is performed on the fin structures 2502 and 2504, as shown FIG. 26(a), and cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 26(b) and FIG. 26(c) respectively. As an example, a high-temperature annealing (e.g., at about 1000° C. for 10 seconds) follows to reduce defects and activate dopants.

An interfacial dielectric layer is formed on the fin structures, and a gate-structure layer (e.g., a dummy-gate layer) is deposited and planarized (e.g., through CMP) thereafter. The gate-structure layer is then patterned through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching, wet etching), and the interfacial dielectric layer is etched, as shown in FIG. 27(a). A cross-sectional view along the cutline “cutline-2” is shown in FIG. 27(b). For example, the interfacial dielectric layer includes silicon oxide, hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide, or other suitable materials. The gate-structure layer includes polysilicon, aluminum, copper, tungsten, or other suitable materials.

Spacers (e.g., silicon nitride, TEOS) are formed (e.g., at about 650° C. to about 700° C.) to generate a structure as shown in FIG. 28(a). A cross-sectional view along the cutline “cutline-1” is shown in FIG. 28(b). For example, as shown in FIG. 28(b), gate structures for the inverters 214, 216 and 218 are formed. Source/drain regions are then grown epitaxially (e.g., at about 680° C. to about 750° C.), and a subsequent implantation (e.g., n+ doping) is performed, as shown in FIG. 29(a). Cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 29(b) and FIG. 29(c) respectively. In some embodiments, the implantation is replaced with in situ doping. For example, a high-temperature annealing is performed to reduce defects and activate dopants.

An inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD0) (e.g., oxides) is formed (e.g., through deposition) and planarized (e.g., through CMP), as shown in FIG. 30(a), and cross-sectional views along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-2” are shown in FIG. 30(b) and FIG. 30(c) respectively. At least part of the gate-structure layer (e.g., the dummy-gate layer) is removed, as shown in FIG. 31(a). A cross-sectional view along a cutline “cutline-4” is shown in FIG. 31(b).

An interfacial layer (e.g., silicon oxide) and a high-k layer (e.g., Al₂O₃, HfO₂) are formed, for example, through a low-temperature chemical process (e.g., at about 200° C. to about 300° C.). In some embodiments, a low-temperature high-pressure annealing (HPA) process is performed to reduce the interfacial defects. In certain embodiments, a high-temperature annealing (e.g., rapid thermal annealing) is carried out, e.g., at about 800° C. to about 900° C. for a short time period.

A bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) layer is formed on the wafer as a hard mask, and a photo-resist layer is formed on the BARC layer, as shown in FIG. 32(a). Then, the photo-resist layer is exposed to light and patterned. Part of the photo-resist layer is removed, as shown in FIG. 32(b). The BARC layer is then etched (e.g., through wet etching or dry etching), as shown in FIG. 33(a). Thereafter, the photo-resist layer is removed, as shown in FIG. 33(b).

Further etching is performed, e.g., through the interfacial layer (e.g., the glue/buffer layer, or the buried oxide layer) and the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD0), as shown in FIG. 34(a). The BARC layer is then removed, as shown in FIG. 34(b). A gate-stack layer (e.g., including one or more metal-based materials) is formed, as shown in FIG. 35. For example, the gate-stack layer includes TaN, TiN, Al, CuAl or other suitable materials. The gate-stack layer is planarized, for example, through CMP, as shown in FIG. 36(a). One or more inter-layer connection structures (e.g., vias) are formed, for example, between the gate structures in the second device layer 206 and the source/drain contacts in the first device layer 204, as shown in FIG. 36(b).

A conductive layer (e.g., tungsten, copper) is formed on the wafer thereafter, and then patterned through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching, wet etching), as shown in FIG. 37(a). A cross-sectional view along a cutline “cutline 5” is shown in FIG. 37(b). In some embodiments, a salicidation process is then performed. Another BARC layer is formed as a hard mask, and another photo-resist layer is formed on the BARC layer, as shown in FIG. 38(a). Then, the photo-resist layer is exposed to light and patterned. Part of the photo-resist layer is removed, as shown in FIG. 38(b). The BARC layer is then etched (e.g., through wet etching or dry etching), as shown in FIG. 39(a). Thereafter, the photo-resist layer is removed, as shown in FIG. 39(b).

Etching is performed, e.g., through the interfacial layer (e.g., the glue/buffer layer, or the buried oxide layer) and the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD0), as shown in FIG. 40(a). The BARC layer is then removed, as shown in FIG. 40(b). As shown in FIG. 41, another conductive layer (e.g., tungsten, copper) is formed on the wafer, for example, for the source/drain contacts in the second device layer 206. The conductive layer is then planarized, for example, through CMP, as shown in FIG. 42(a). One or more inter-layer connection structures (e.g., vias) are formed, for example, between the gate structures in the first device layer 204 and the source/drain contacts in the second device layer 206, as shown in FIG. 42(b).

Furthermore, an inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) is formed (e.g., through deposition) and planarized (e.g., through CMP), as shown in FIG. 43(a). Cross-sectional views of the wafer along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 43(b) and FIG. 43(c) respectively. As an example, the inter-layer dielectric layer includes silicon oxides.

A hard mask layer (e.g., a CESL layer) is then formed on the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1). The CESL layer is then patterned through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching, wet etching). Another hard mask layer (e.g., a bottom layer), is formed (e.g., through deposition). The bottom layer is then patterned through photolithography and etching (e.g., dry etching, wet etching). Subsequently, the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) is etched (e.g., through dry etching or wet etching) using the bottom layer as the hard mask. Then, the bottom layer is removed, and the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) is etched (e.g., through dry etching or wet etching) using the CESL layer as the hard mask. For example, a certain thickness (e.g., d) of the inter-layer dielectric layer (ILD1) remains after etching. In some embodiments, the CESL layer is removed thereafter.

A conductive layer is formed on the wafer and planarized (e.g., through CMP), as shown in FIG. 44(a). Cross-sectional views of the wafer along the cutlines “cutline-1” and “cutline-3” are shown in FIG. 44(b) and FIG. 44(c) respectively. Thus, the inverter chain 202 is formed in the semiconductor structure 200 that includes the first device layer 204 and the second device layer 206. For example, as shown in FIG. 44(b), the gate structures of the inverters in the first device layer 204 and the gate structures of the inverters in the second device layer 206 are interleaved. The transistors (e.g., n-type transistors) in the first device layer 204 and the transistors (e.g., n-type transistors) in the second device layer 206 are interleaved. As an example, an inter-layer connection structure 4402 is disposed to connect the input terminal of the inverter 208 (e.g., In1) to the output terminal of the inverter 218 (e.g., Out6), as shown in FIG. 44(c). Another inter-layer connection structure 4404 is disposed to connect the output terminal of the inverter 212 (e.g., Out3) and the input terminal of the inverter 214 (e.g., In4).

FIG. 45-FIG. 46 depict example diagrams showing certain components of the multi-layer semiconductor structure 200. The inverters 214 and 216 and 218 are formed in the second device layer 206. As shown in FIG. 45 and FIG. 46, a connection structure 4502 is disposed to connect the output terminal of the inverter 216 (e.g., Out5) to the input terminal of the inverter 218 (e.g., In6), and a connection structure 4504 is disposed to connect the output terminal of the inverter 214 (e.g., Out4) to the input terminal of the inverter 216 (e.g., In5). In addition, a connection structure 4506 is disposed to connect the output terminal of the inverter 208 (e.g., Out1) to the input terminal of the inverter 210 (e.g., In2), and a connection structure 4508 is disposed to connect the output terminal of the inverter 210 (e.g., Out2) to the input terminal of the inverter 212 (e.g., In3). The substrate, the buried oxide, the inter-layer dielectric layers, and the spacers are not shown in FIG. 45 and FIG. 46.

FIG. 47 depicts an example layout diagram of the first device layer 204 of the semiconductor structure 200. As shown in FIG. 47, the first device layer 204 includes the inverters 208, 210 and 212. For example, the inverter 208 includes a gate structure 4902, a drain region 4904 and source regions 4906 and 4908. A connection structure 4910 is disposed to electrically connect the source region 4906 to a bias voltage VSS, and another connection structure 4912 is disposed to electrically connect the source region 4908 to another bias voltage VDD. An inter-layer connection structure 4914 (e.g., a via) is disposed to connect to the gate structure 4902 and serves as an input terminal (e.g., In1) of the inverter 208. A connection structure 4916 is disposed to connect to the drain region 4904 and serves as an output terminal (e.g., Out1) of the inverter 208. The inverters 210 and 212 have a similar layout as the inverter 208, as shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 48 depicts an example layout diagram of the second device layer 206 of the semiconductor structure 200. As shown in FIG. 48, the second device layer 206 includes the inverters 214, 216 and 218. For example, the inverter 218 includes a gate structure 5002, a drain region 5004 and source regions 5006 and 5008. A connection structure 5010 is disposed to electrically connect the source region 5006 to a bias voltage VDD, and another connection structure 5012 is disposed to electrically connect the source region 5008 to another bias voltage VSS. A connection structure 5014 is disposed to connect to the gate structure 5002 and serves as an input terminal (e.g., In6) of the inverter 218. An inter-layer connection structure 5016 is disposed to connect to the drain region 5004 and serves as an output terminal (e.g., Out6) of the inverter 218. The inverters 214 and 216 have a similar layout as the inverter 218, as shown in FIG. 48. For example, the output terminal (e.g., Out6) of the inverter 218 is connected to the input terminal (e.g., In1) of the inverter 208, and the output terminal (e.g., Out3) of the inverter 212 is connected to the input terminal (e.g., In4) of the inverter 214.

FIG. 49 depicts an example layout diagram of implantation-related layout for both the first device layer 204 and the second device layer 206 of the semiconductor structure 200. As shown in FIG. 49, the gate structures (e.g., the gate structure 4902) in the first device layer 204 and the gate structures (e.g., the gate structure 5002) in the second device layer 206 are interleaved. The region 5102 is disposed for n-wells and p+ implantation for fabricating the inverters in the device layers 204 and 206, and the region 5104 is disposed for p-wells and n+ implantation for fabricating the inverters in the device layers 204 and 206.

FIG. 50 depicts an example flow chart for fabricating multiple inverter structures in a multi-layer semiconductor structure. At 5502, a first device layer is formed on a substrate. The first device layer includes one or more first inverter structures. At 5504, a second device layer is formed on the first device layer. The second device layer includes one or more second inverter structures. At 5506, one or more inter-layer connection structures are disposed to electrically connect to the first inverter structures and the second inverter structures.

In some embodiments, the first inverter structures and the second inverter structures are connected in cascade to form an inverter chain. Each inverter structure includes an input terminal and an output terminal. The input terminal of each inverter is connected to the output terminal of a previous inverter in the chain, and the output terminal of each inverter is connected to the input terminal of a next inverter in the chain. At least one of the first inverter structures is connected to one of the second inverter structures through an inter-layer connection structure (e.g., a via). As an example, each inverter structure includes a n-type transistor (e.g., n-MOSFET) and a p-type transistor (e.g., p-MOSFET).

This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of the disclosure, include the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use various embodiments of the disclosure. The patentable scope of the disclosure may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other replacement and/or additional methods, materials, or components. Further, persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various equivalent combinations and substitutions for various components shown in the figures. For example, certain transistors are described herein as examples, and the concepts, structures, layouts, materials, or operations may also be applicable to other types of semiconductor devices, such as bipolar junction transistors, diodes, capacitors, etc. As an example, the structures, layouts, materials, operations, voltage levels, or current levels related to “source” and “drain” described herein (including in the claims) may be interchangeable as a result of transistors with “source” and “drain” being symmetrical devices.

Well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments of the disclosure. Various embodiments shown in the figures are illustrative example representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples, and this repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Various additional layers and/or structures may be included and/or described features may be omitted in other embodiments. For example, a particular layer described herein may include multiple components which are not necessarily connected physically or electrically. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the disclosure. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation. Operations described herein may be performed in a different order, in series or in parallel, than the described embodiments. Various additional operations may be performed and/or described. Operations may be omitted in additional embodiments.

This written description and the following claims may include terms, such as on, in, etc. that are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. The embodiments of a device or article described herein can be manufactured, used, or shipped in a number of positions and orientations. For example, the term “on” as used herein (including in the claims) may not necessarily indicate that a first layer/structure “on” a second layer/structure is directly on or over and in immediate contact with the second layer/structure unless such is specifically stated; there may be one or more third layers/structures between the first layer/structure and the second layer/structure. The term “in” used herein (including in the claims) for a situation where a device/component is fabricated “in” a layer/structure does not indicate that all parts of the device/component are completely contained inside the layer/structure unless such is specifically stated; there may be one or more parts of the device/component exist outside of the layer/structure. The term “substrate” used herein (including in the claims) may refer to any construction comprising one or more semiconductive materials, including, but not limited to, bulk semiconductive materials such as a semiconductive wafer (either alone or in assemblies comprising other materials thereon), and semiconductive material layers (either alone or in assemblies comprising other materials). The term “semiconductor structure” used herein (including in the claims) may refer to shallow trench isolation features, poly-silicon gates, lightly doped drain regions, doped wells, contacts, vias, metal lines, or other types of circuit patterns or features to be formed on a semiconductor substrate. In addition, the term “semiconductor structure” used herein (including in the claims) may refer to various semiconductor devices, including transistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor structure, comprising: a first device layer formed on a substrate and including one or more first inverter structures; a second device layer formed on the first device layer and including one or more second inverter structures; and one or more inter-layer connection structures configured to electrically connect to the first inverter structures and the second inverter structures, wherein the one or more first inverter structures include a first input terminal and a first output terminal, the one or more second inverter structures include a second input terminal and a second output terminal, and the inter-layer connection structures are configured to connect the first input terminal with the second output terminal and connect the first output terminal with the second input terminal.
 2. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein: the first input terminal is connected to a first gate terminal of a p-type transistor and a second gate terminal of a n-type transistor, the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor being included in a third inverter structure; and the first output terminal is connected to a first drain terminal of the p-type transistor and a second drain terminal of the n-type transistor.
 3. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein: the second input terminal is connected to a first gate terminal of a p-type transistor and a second gate terminal of a n-type transistor, the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor being included in a fourth inverter structure; and the second output terminal is connected to a first drain terminal of the p-type transistor and a second drain terminal of the n-type transistor.
 4. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the one or more first inverter structures and the one or more second inverter structures are connected in cascade to form an inverter chain.
 5. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein: the first inverter structures include multiple third inverter structures connected in cascade; and the second inverter structures include multiple fourth inverter structures connected in cascade.
 6. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes a silicon wafer and a buried-oxide layer.
 7. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein: the first device layer includes one or more first fin structures corresponding to the first inverter structures; and the second device layer includes one or more second fin structures corresponding to the second inverter structures.
 8. An inverter chain, comprising: one or more first inverters connected in cascade in a first device layer of a multi-layer semiconductor structure, the first inverters including a first input terminal and a first output terminal; one or more second inverters connected in cascade in a second device layer of the multi-layer semiconductor structure, the second inverters including a second input terminal and a second output terminal; a first inter-layer connection structure configured to electrically connect to the first input terminal and the second output terminal; and a second inter-layer connection structure configured to electrically connect to the second input terminal and the first output terminal.
 9. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein: the first input terminal is connected to a first gate terminal of a p-type transistor and a second gate terminal of a n-type transistor, the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor being included in a third inverter structure; and the first output terminal is connected to a first drain terminal of the p-type transistor and a second drain terminal of the n-type transistor.
 10. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein: the second input terminal is connected to a first gate terminal of a p-type transistor and a second gate terminal of a n-type transistor, the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor being included in a fourth inverter structure; and the second output terminal is connected to a first drain terminal of the p-type transistor and a second drain terminal of the n-type transistor.
 11. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein the one or more first inverter structures and the one or more second inverter structures are connected in cascade to form an inverter chain.
 12. A semiconductor structure, comprising: a first device layer formed on a substrate and including one or more first inverter structures corresponding to one or more first fin structures; a second device layer formed on the first device layer and including one or more second inverter structures corresponding to one or more second fin structures; and one or more inter-layer connection structures configured to electrically connect to the first inverter structures and the second inverter structures, wherein the one or more first inverter structures include a first input terminal and a first output terminal, the one or more second inverter structures include a second input terminal and a second output terminal, and the inter-layer connection structures are configured to connect the first input terminal with the second output terminal and connect the first output terminal with the second input terminal.
 13. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein: the first input terminal is connected to a first gate terminal of a p-type transistor and a second gate terminal of a n-type transistor, the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor being included in a third inverter structure; and the first output terminal is connected to a first drain terminal of the p-type transistor and a second drain terminal of the n-type transistor.
 14. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein: the second input terminal is connected to a first gate terminal of a p-type transistor and a second gate terminal of a n-type transistor, the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor being included in a fourth inverter structure; and the second output terminal is connected to a first drain terminal of the p-type transistor and a second drain terminal of the n-type transistor.
 15. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein the one or more first inverter structures and the one or more second inverter structures are connected in cascade to form an inverter chain.
 16. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein: the first inverter structures include multiple third inverter structures connected in cascade; and the second inverter structures include multiple fourth inverter structures connected in cascade.
 17. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein the substrate includes a silicon wafer and a buried-oxide layer. 